“Oh? The dragon clan has agreed to ally with us? If so, that’s fantastic. We’ll have a powerful ally!” The Xiaoyao Tower Master said with a smile.
The other leaders perked up instantly, their faces filled with anticipation.
They had long known Lin Yun was working on securing an alliance with the dragon clan, but they weren’t aware of the specifics.
This news naturally thrilled them.
“Correct. The dragon clan has agreed to the alliance, and we can secure not just the support of one dragon palace, but the entire dragon clan,” Vice Palace Master Yao said.
“The entire dragon clan? Haha, that’s amazing!” The Taigu Gate Master said joyfully.
The other leaders were equally elated.
This was absolutely momentous news!
Vice Palace Master Yao leaned back in his chair. “However, the dragon clan won’t help for free. We need to gather sufficient resources to offer them. The Heavenly God Palace has already collected a large batch of resources, and Emperor Huoyun has pledged a significant contribution. Now, we need you all to step up.”
“Hold on. The dragon clan and our human race have completely different cultivation systems. Most of our resources are useless to them, aren’t they?” Emperor Tianqian asked, puzzled.
“Indeed,” the other leaders nodded in agreement.
Lin Yun stood up. “You’re right. Most of our resources are useless to the dragon clan. But I have something that can convert any resource.”
Since he needed their help, Lin Yun was forthright. Without clarity, how could he expect them to trust him?
For Little Green Dragon and the human race, Lin Yun was willing to take the risk.
With a wave of his hand, Lin Yun revealed the Qiankun Supreme Cauldron.
“This is called the Qiankun Supreme Cauldron, listed among the sacred relics,” Lin Yun said.
“The Qiankun Supreme Cauldron?” Everyone’s eyes turned to it.
“Let me demonstrate its function.”
Lin Yun took out a Holy Spirit-level weapon and tossed it into the cauldron.
Buzz.
The Qiankun Supreme Cauldron began operating, producing Qiankun crystals.
“These Qiankun crystals have the same effect as Haoyue crystals. You can try them yourselves.”
Lin Yun handed the produced Qiankun crystals to the leaders.
“Indeed, their effects are remarkably similar!” they exclaimed, astonished after examining the crystals.
“This Qiankun Supreme Cauldron is truly a rare treasure!” they said, their eyes gleaming as they looked at it again.
“Though its function is powerful, converting Qiankun crystals requires a vast amount of resources. Without sufficient reserves, its utility is limited,” Lin Yun said.
“Lin Yun, now I understand why you wagered a thousand Holy Spirit-level weapons during our challenge at Mingyue Terrace. It was to convert them into Qiankun crystals, wasn’t it?” Emperor Xingwu said, realization dawning.
“Exactly,” Lin Yun said with a grin.
“You’ve kept this well hidden. No wonder your realm advanced so quickly,” Emperor Xingwu remarked.
Vice Palace Master Yao stood up. “Everyone, do you understand now? We need you to provide resources to convert into Qiankun crystals for the dragon clan. We can’t expect them to help for nothing, can we?”
Emperor Huoyun also stood. “I openly pledge that the Huoyun Empire will provide resources sufficient to produce 500,000 Qiankun crystals.”
He had already discussed this with Lin Yun and Vice Palace Master Yao, and now he was making a public statement to set an example.
“Huoyun has made his pledge. Now it’s your turn,” Vice Palace Master Yao said, looking at the three emperors, the Xiaoyao Tower Master, the Taixu Tavern Master, and the Taigu Gate Master.
“Allying with the dragon clan is for the fate of the human race. We naturally support it fully!” Emperor Tianqian said first.
Then he added, “However, with the ongoing war, the empire’s expenses are enormous: compensating the fallen, increasing frontline soldiers’ pay and rewards, resettling refugees, and so on. We’re stretched thin, and with the war’s duration uncertain, we must reserve resources for a prolonged conflict. Everything requires funds.”
“Emperor Tianqian, are you saying you won’t contribute resources?” Vice Palace Master Yao asked, looking at him.
“Of course not. For the dragon clan alliance, I’ll contribute even if it means tightening my belt. I can provide resources to produce 50,000 Qiankun crystals, which isn’t a small amount,” Emperor Tianqian said.
Lin Yun’s brow furrowed slightly. Emperor Tianqian’s offer seemed like a token gesture.
But since this was a voluntary contribution, they couldn’t force anyone to give a specific amount.
“Emperor Tianqian offers 50,000. What about the rest of you?” Vice Palace Master Yao asked the others.
“The Taigu Gate doesn’t control territories or run businesses like the Xiaoyao Tower or Taixu Tavern, so our reserves are thin. But I’ll find a way to provide resources for 50,000 Qiankun crystals,” the Taigu Gate Master said.
“The Shadow Hall, though not ruling territories or as wealthy as the empires, can match Emperor Tianqian’s contribution,” the Shadow Hall Master said.
Bang!
“Enough!” Vice Palace Master Yao slammed the table, interrupting them with a trace of anger.
At this rate, their combined contributions might not even match Emperor Huoyun’s alone.
Moreover, Emperor Tianqian’s low offer had set a precedent, and now the others felt they could contribute similarly.
“You’re contributing voluntarily, but think carefully. If we don’t gather enough, the dragon clan alliance will fall through. You all know the difference their support makes in this war,” Vice Palace Master Yao said coldly.
The Xiaoyao Tower Master stood. “The Xiaoyao Tower will match Huoyun’s contribution. I won’t mention my difficulties; everyone has their own.”
Empress Kunlan spoke up, “The Kunlan Empire’s reserves can’t compare to Huoyun’s, but for the human race, we’ll contribute. The Kunlan Empire will match Huoyun’s amount.”
“Now that’s more like it!” Vice Palace Master Yao raised his voice.
